This Bean With Bacon Soup is warm, hearty, and full of flavor! With tender beans and crispy bacon, it’s like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, who can resist the smoky goodness of bacon? I love enjoying this soup with crusty bread—so good that I might just lick the bowl! 😂
Making this soup is so easy! Just throw everything into a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy. It’s a cozy favorite in my house, especially on rainy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a nice crunch and strong flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or pancetta also works well, though they will have different taste profiles.
Beans: I recommend using white beans like cannellini or navy beans for their creamy texture. If you can’t find these, pinto beans or great northern beans can be good swaps.
Chicken Broth: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute with vegetable broth. Homemade broth is always great if you have the time and ingredients!
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, a dash of regular paprika or a bit of liquid smoke can provide similar effects.
How Do I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy bacon is easier than it sounds! Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a cold pan. Place bacon in the pot and then turn on the heat.
- Cook on medium heat, and allow the fat to render slowly. This helps achieve a perfect crisp.
- Keep an eye on it and flip occasionally for even cooking.
- Once it’s crispy, transfer it to paper towels to absorb excess fat.
Letting the bacon cook slowly seriously enhances the flavor and texture of your soup!
What’s the Secret to a Creamy Soup Without Heavy Cream?
For creamy soups, you don’t always need heavy cream. Here are tips:
- Use an immersion blender to blend part of the beans for creamy texture while leaving some whole.
- Alternatively, mash a few beans with the back of a spoon after the soup has simmered.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or water as it cooks to find your perfect consistency.
This way, your soup remains light yet satisfyingly creamy!
Bean With Bacon Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Essential Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cooked white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed if canned
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Bean With Bacon Soup takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 30-35 minutes for cooking. Total time is approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick and cozy dish that’s comforting for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by placing the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy, stirring occasionally for even cooking. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the pot; it adds great flavor!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften. This step builds a delicious base for your soup!
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and give it a cook for about 1 minute. You’ll smell a lovely aroma waft through your kitchen!
4. Combine Soup Ingredients:
Now, add the cooked white beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, and, if you like, smoked paprika to the pot. Stir everything together to mix well and bring the flavors into harmony.
5. Simmer:
Raise the heat until the soup comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
6. Blend for Creaminess:
After simmering, remove the bay leaf from the soup. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup. Alternatively, mash some beans against the side of the pot with a spoon for a lovely texture.
7. Season & Taste:
Give your soup a taste and season it with salt and pepper as desired. Adjusting the seasoning brings out all the wonderful flavors you’ve created!
8. Serve it Up:
Serve your hot soup in bowls, and sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish. It adds a pop of color and flavor!
9. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy this hearty Bean With Bacon Soup, ideally with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
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Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a great time-saver. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the soup. Since they’re already cooked, reduce the simmering time to about 10-15 minutes, just enough for them to heat through and absorb the flavors.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a smoky flavor. If you prefer a meatier alternative, try turkey or chicken bacon. Both will provide a nice savory taste!
How Do I Thicken the Soup?
If you want a thicker soup, you can either blend a portion of it with an immersion blender or mash some beans against the side of the pot. Additionally, adding more beans or a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water can help create a heartier texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a pot over medium heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up as it may thicken in the fridge.
